Thursday, February 13, 2014

I didn't mean to wait so long, but life has a way of throwing curve balls.

We are at the end of the 9th week with no income.When my husband was laid off, we knew finding a new job would be a nerve-wracking, and possibly lengthy, process.We were right.This is a scary time, not knowing what the future holds.Although, we really never know what the future holds, do we?So, while we are trying to get though this as gracefully as possible...it is beginning to take it's toll, mentally and financially.I force myself to see beyond the daily fear of the possible losses that can come from this unexpected lay-off.The sunset's fiery glow through my studio window ~

Hours and hours of art projects to keep my mind clear. Children's book illustrations are always an escape ~ Drawing

Sometimes just savoring the view from my desk.ColorsGiftsOdditiesMusic

More drawing.Trees. What is it about drawing trees?I've loved drawing trees since I was a little girl ~

Add another tree ~

Slowly but surely working on the Tylwyth Teg (Welsh Faeries) illustrations ~

And...sometimes, I even need to take a break from art.Just passing the time.Clearing my mind.A good book ~

Organizing my collection of Children's books ~

I recently found my old "Liddle Kiddles" book.It was one of my very favorite books.During that period in my life, I dreamed that my name was Vicki.Unfortunately, I wrote Vicki right on the front of my treasured Liddle Kiddle book ~

I finally filled up each empty pane in the vintage window in my studio ~

Sometimes I just watch the puppies sleep in the warm winter sun ~

....and sometimes, I watch the wildflower seedlings ~

Growing every single day ~

These are difficult days.Filled with fear and what-ifs.But I am finding hope.Hanging on to it.Keeping it alive.Nurturing it with art andbooksandpuppiesandthe hope of new growth.With no payroll check and only unemployment, we are, of course, scrambling to make ends meet.I am having a storewide 20% off sale in my Etsy Shop.Simply use coupon code HELPINGHAND when checking out.I am really relying on my art as a means to help pay the mortgage and other bills.So, if you see something you like, now would be a great time to purchase!I am also offering the same discount in my Zibbet Shop. No need for a coupon code at Zibbet. The prices are already marked down for you. Isn't that cool? I love that....no coupon code.And....one more thing.I chose to post about this at the very end of this ridiculously long blog post.I wanted it to be at the end, assuming that most people would stop reading by the time they got to this part.Simply and purely out of absolute embarrassment.But, I just wanted to let you know that a friend started a GoFundMeaccount for my family.It is a very reputable crowdfunding company.It's helped thousands of people get through financial tragedies.GoFundMe also helps business start-ups as well.Anyway, our job loss predicament fits the GoFundMe guidelines for donations.We are hoping to raise $5,000.00, which would be enough to pay 3 mortgage payments and some groceries. That was the suggested amount.We are at just about 25% of our goal, so not yet enough to make a mortgage payment.Anyway, if you would like to donate, simply click HERE.Or...you might just rather buy some art.Or...you might rather not do either one.Which is totally fine!This is such an embarrassing thing to do...To ask for money.But, these crowdfunding companies are doing great things for people that are in temporary hard times, like my family.I've found that desperation can lead you to uncomfortable places in life.You ask for things you normally wouldn't.You find yourself scrambling in ways that you never thought you would.Life can become a living nightmare....that is, if you lose hope.Which, so far, I haven't.And for that, I feel blessed.